Anal-fin Rays Research Articles

Validation of Icelus crassus Andriashev (Cottiformes: Cottidae), described from the Sea of Okhotsk

The validity of the Stocky Sculpin Icelus crassus Andriashev, described from the Sea of Okhotsk, was confirmed following examination of the type series; the species having been previously considered a synonym of I. ochotensis Schmidt. Although both species belong to the “I. bicornis” (sensu Nelson 1984) species group, having suborbital spines and additional rows of scales on the body absent (excluding dorsal-row and lateral-line scales), and fine marginal serrations on the dorsal-row scales rather than sharp single spines, I. crassus differs from the type series of I. ochotensis in the absence of parietal spines (vs. present), supraorbital cirri present as expanding, distally branched laminae (vs. simple barbels), dorsal scale row incomplete anteriorly (vs. complete, reaching head); and lateral-line scales serrated below each sensory canal pore (vs. embedded in skin below each pore, usually with no more than 1–2 spinules). Meristic characters of I. crassus, similar to other species of the “I. bicornis” group, include 38–41 vertebrae, IX 18–20 dorsal-fin rays, 15 or 16 anal-fin rays, 17–19 pectoral-fin rays, 41–43 lateral-line scales, 25–31 dorsal-line scales, and 10–17 axillary scales. The urogenital papilla is cylindrical (not spatulate), with a short, claw-like terminal appendage. The holotype is found in ZIN collection, No. 21900, adult male TL 106 mm. Icelus crassus has been recorded in the Sea of Okhotsk and Sea of Japan (Strait of Tartary) 97–327 m depth; near bottom, water temperatures range from -0.7°C to 2.15°C.

Zenarchopterus takaoensis (Perciformes: Zenarchoperidae), a new estuary garfish from southwestern Taiwan

Species of the genus Zenarchopterus are marine, brackish, and freshwater fishes that have modified dorsal-fin and anal-fin rays in adult males. There are 19 valid species worldwide. Three species have been recorded from Taiwan, namely Zenarchopterus buffonis (Valenciennes, in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1847), Z. dispar (Valenciennes, in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1847), and Z. dunckeri Mohr, 1926. However, Collette and Su (1986) noted one uncertain species (female, labeled “Zenarchopterus sp., Takao, Formosa, Hans Sauter, V–VII 1907”) in the Museum of Nature Hamburg (ZMH) from southern Taiwan. This species has only nine pectoral-fin and anal-fin rays, a longer snout, and does not agree well with any other species. In this study, Zenarchopterus takaoensis sp. nov. is described based on seven newly collected specimens from southwestern Taiwan and one (ZMH 6543, 59.4 mm SL) from southern Taiwan. This new species differs from its congeners by the following combination of characters: snout slightly longer, prominent pigmentation or dark mark on snout; nine anal-fin rays, 6th anal-fin ray not elongated or thickened in adult male; dorsal body pigmented with three longitudinal dashed lines, oval-like dashed pigmentation on dorsal lateral series scales; anterior lateral stripe on body in dashed line, ventral body with one longitudinal dashed line. In this study, specimens were examined and compared; morphological evidence revealed it is a hidden species. Taxonomic accounts, distribution, and a key to the congener species of Taiwan, along with color photographs of the new species, are provided.

Two new species of Paratanakia (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from Taiwan and mainland China

Two new species of bitterling of Paratanakia were found and collected from Taiwan island and Fujian Province, mainland China recently. Paratanakia fuvlidorsalis n. sp. which is endemic in Taiwan island can be well distinguished from other congeners by the following unique combination of features: (1) fin ray counts: dorsal fin rays 3, 8; anal fin rays 3, 10; pectoral fin rays modally 1, 12; (2) squamtion: lateral-line scales modally 34; and (3) its own specific dorsal fin color pattern in male. Paratanakia julongjiangensis n. sp. which is endemic in Fujian Province, mainland China can be well distinguished from other congeners by the following unique combination of features: (1) fin ray counts: dorsal fin rays 3, 9; anal fin rays 3, 11; pectoral fin rays modally 1, 12; (2) lateral-line scales modally 34; and (3) its own specific dorsal fin color pattern in male. The brief morphological comparison with close related species would be also addressed.

Two new species of Luciogobius Gill (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the Matsu Islands in Taiwan

Two new gobiid fishes of Luciogobius Gill, 1859 have recently been collected from the intertidal waters of the Matsu Islands in Taiwan. The first new species, Luciogobius matsuensis sp. nov., is characterized by the following unique combination of features: (1) second dorsal fin rays: I/12 and anal fin rays I/12; (2) pectoral fin rays modally 16 and with one upper, short free soft ray; (3) vertebral count modally 17+20–21=37–38; and (4) specific coloration: second dorsal fin translucent with tiny brown spots; caudal fin with many tiny brown spots; anal fins pale yellow and translucent, spotless, and darker in its rays; and pectoral fin creamy yellow with anterior 2/3 region with tiny brownish to black spots. The second new species, Luciogobius dongyinensis sp. nov., is characterized by the following unique combination of features: (1) second dorsal fin rays: I/16 and anal fin rays I/16; (2) pectoral fin rays modally 14 and with 2 upper, short free soft rays; (3) vertebral count modally 18+23=41; and (4) specific coloration: a long infraorbital deep brown stripe below eye; a long deep brown stripe above and along upper jaw; pectoral fin with many small patches of melanophores except posterior, distal 1/5 region; and caudal fin brown with many light rounded spots. A brief discussion of their own related species will also be addressed.

Two new freshwater gobiid species of Rhinogobius Gill, 1859 (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from Taiwan

Two new freshwater gobies of Rhinogobius were discovered from Taiwan. They are fluvial species belonging to R. rubromaculatus complex. The new species, Rhinogobius baborinisanensis n. sp. which is collected from northern Taiwan can be well distinguished from all other congeners by the unique combination of the following features: (1) fins: second dorsal fin rays modally I/8; anal fin rays I/7; pectoral fin rays modally 17; (2) squamation: longitudinal scale series 32–34 (modally 33); perdorsal scales usually 13–14; scale series from origin of first dorsal fin to upper pectoral fin origin modally 10; (3) vertebral count 27; (4) rear edge of mouth merely extending to or slightly beyond vertical of anterior margin of pupil in male and (5) its own specific colouration. Another new species, Rhinogobius macromaculatus n. sp. which is collected from southern Taiwan can be well distinguished from all other congeners by the unique combination of the following features: (1) fins: second dorsal fin rays modally I/8; anal fin rays I/7; pectoral fin rays modally 15; (2) squamation: longitudinal scale series 27–28 (modally 28); perdorsal scales usually 14–15; scale series from origin of first dorsal fin to upper pectoral fin origin modally 8; (3) vertebral count 27; (4) rear edge of mouth extending slightly beyond vertical of anterior margin of pupil in male and (5) its own specific colouration. The brief comparison and discussion of morphological differentiation from congeners would be also addressed.

A new freshwater goby of Rhinogobius Gill, 1859 (Teleostei, Gobiidae) from South Central Vietnam

A new species of freshwater gobiid fish of genus Rhinogobius Gill, 1859, was collected from the Cai Phan Rang River basin, South Central Vietnam. Rhinogobius phuocbinhensis n. sp. can be well distinguished from other congeners by its specific patterns of coloration and meristic features: (1) fins rays: second dorsal fin rays I/8; anal fin rays I/8; pectoral fin rays modally 19; (2) squamation: longitudinal scale series 26–27 (modally 27); perdorsal scales 9–11 (modally 9); vertebral count 26; and (3) specific colouration pattern: densely-set of small blackish brown spots on cheek and interorbital region to snout in male and many small blackish brown dots in first dorsal fin of both sexes. A brief morphological comparison of this new species with related species would be also addressed.

A new freshwater gobiid species of Rhinogobius Gill, 1859 (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from Minjiang river basin, Fujian Province, southeastern China

A new freshwater gobies of Rhinogobius Gill, 1859 were discovered from the Minjiang Basin, Fujian Province, southeastern China. It belongs to fluvial species. The new species, Rhinogobius dongfongensis n. sp. which collected from Fujian Province of China can be well distinguished from all other congeners by the unique combination of the following features: (1) fins: second dorsal fin rays modally I/8–9; anal fin rays I/7; pectoral fin rays modally 15; (2) squamation: longitudinal scale series 32–33 (modally 33); perdorsal scales usually 5–6; (3) normal vertebral count 26; (4) rear edge of mouth merely extending beyond vertical of anterior margin of pupil in male and (5) its own specific colouration. The brief comparison and discussion of morphological differentiation from congeners of mainland China would be addressed.

A new species of bagrid catfish genus Tachysurus (Teleostei: Bagridae) from Wu river basin in central Taiwan

A new species of freshwater bagrid catfishes, Tachysurus (Teleostei: Bagridae) were collected from Wu river basin in central Taiwan. The new species, Tachysurus flumendraco n. sp. is most similar to Taiwanese endemic, T. adiposalis (Oshima, 1919) than any other congeneric species in eastern Asia. It can be well distinguished by the following unique combination of features: (1) dorsal fin rays II + 8; (2) anal fin rays: modally 3 + 18 = 21; (3) spine of pectoral fin with posterior serrations modally 18; (4) vertebral count usually 5 + 43–44; and (5) specific coloration pattern: body and head entirely bright creamy yellow to golden yellow, dorsal half of head and trunk with light brown; all 4 pairs of barbels creamy white to snow white; adipose fin creamy yellow to brownish yellow; anal fin creamy yellow with lighter basal skin; and caudal fin creamy yellow with distal black margin. The brief morphological comparison with close related species would be also addressed.

A new Calamiana species (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from brackish waters of northern Taiwan

A new species of brackish water goby, Calamiana taiwanensis sp. nov., from northern Taiwan is described in this paper. This new species is characterized by the following unique combinations of features: (1) second dorsal fin rays I/7–8, anal fin rays I/7–8; (2) longitudinal scale rows 34–36; (3) first dorsal fin triangular, second to third spines filamentous in adult males; and (4) specific head pore system: anterior termination with a pair of head pores σ and λ, median interorbital region with a pair of pores κ1 and κ, postorbital region with a pair of pores ω, lateral termination with a pair of pores α, upper margin of preopercular region with a pair of pores β and ρ. The present study revealed that the head pore pattern is varied among the species of genus Calamiana, therefore this feature can be regarded as an important character for the species identification within Calamiana.

A new species of Macropodus (Teleotsei: Osphronemidae) from Fujian Province, southern China

A new Macropodus species was collected from the river basins of southeastern China. The new species Macropodus minnanensis, from Fujian Province, China can be well distinguished from congeners by the following combination of features: (1) dorsal fin with 13 spines and 7 soft rays; (2) anal fin with 20 spines and modally 10 soft rays; (3) vertical insertion of dorsal fin origin at second to third soft rays of anal fin; (4) longitudinal scale rows in midline modally 28; (5) transverse scale rows 14; (6) vertebrae 27 and (7) specific coloration: body with posteriorly black margin on scale pockets; eye greyish; a large opecular, deep black ocellus spot in male. The brief discussions of its related species are also provided.

DNA barcoding and distribution of Osteobrama peninsularis (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) in India

Osteobrama peninsularis has been reported in southern Indian drainages, particularly in the Krishna River drainage. This study provides new findings of O. peninsularis in two distant locations: the Kangsabati River (Suvarnarekha River drainage) in West Bengal and Wyra Lake (Godavari River drainage) in Telangana. This marks the first record of O. peninsularis in eastern India, specifically in West Bengal. The species can be distinguished from other Osteobrama members by its 28–31 branched anal-fin rays and 55–60 lateral line scales, along with other unique morphological features. Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase C subunit I gene sequences from specimens collected in Suvarnarekha and Godavari River drainages cluster together in the phylogenetic analysis, indicating that the clade of O. peninsularis is distinct and maintains significant genetic distance from its congeners.

Oreichthys warjaintia, a new species of cyprinid fish from Meghalaya, India (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae).

Oreichthys warjaintia, new species, is described from the Pyrngang stream (Surma-Meghna basin), Meghalaya, northeast India. It can be distinguished from all known species within the genus Oreichthys in having the following combination of characters: complete lateral line with 25-27 pored scales, 13 branched pectoral-fin rays, 5-5½ branched anal-fin rays, 14 rows of papillae on suborbital, ½3/1/2½ scale rows in transverse line on body, presence of a black blotch on caudal-fin base, and in the coloration of dorsal, caudal, and anal fins. Oreichthys warjaintia is distinct from all known Oreichthys species for which mitochondrial cox1 sequence data are available by a raw genetic distance ranging from 8.3% to 11.1%.

Diving deeper into the taxonomy of the Neoscopelus species complex (Myctophiformes: Neoscopelidae) with the description of Neoscopelus serranoi sp. nov.

Previous studies have highlighted possible cryptic biodiversity in the genus Neoscopelus. This hypothesis was tested using new morphological, molecular and biogeographical data on species of this genus caught in the north Atlantic between 2010 and 2022. The information obtained has been combined with available data in an integrative approach, including a review of morphological characters reported in the ichthyological literature and DNA-based species delimitation analyses. The main outcome of the present study is the description of Neoscopelus serranoi sp. nov. from the Atlantic and southwestern Indian Oceans. The new species is morphologically very similar to Neoscopelus microchir from which differs in having a shorter anal-fin base, a shorter pelvic fin, more dorsal and pectoral-fin rays, less anal-fin rays, fewer gillrakers and fewer isthmus and lateral photophores. They also differ in geographic distribution, with the new species occurring in the Atlantic Ocean and the near southwestern Indian Ocean, whereas N. microchir was originally described from Japanese waters of the Pacific Ocean. A literature review of available morphological data between geographic areas for Neoscopelus macrolepidotus and Neoscopelus microchir showed a large intraspecific overlap and no boundaries. However, molecular species delimitation based on the mitochondrial COI gene revealed the existence of cryptic diversity in both species, with eight to ten molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTU), compared to three valid species. Neoscopelus serranoi sp. nov. was considered an independent MOTU in all analyses performed, supporting the morphological identification as a new species. These results highlight that the taxonomy of Neoscopelus is far from settled and show that a greater sampling effort is needed to resolve the uncertainties and to describe unknown putative species. This also exemplifies the virtues of integrative taxonomy in delving into the systematics of deep-sea fishes.

New Record of Threatened Fish Species of Clupisoma naziri from River Gomati of Tripura, India

Morphometric and meristic characteristics of Clupisoma naziri was explored in Gomati River Tripura and the poorly known C. naziri, was newly recorded from the river at 23°33.144’N, 91°36.732’ E, elevation 39 m and 23°31.676’N, 91°39.184’ E, elevation 30m. Morphometric measurements (8 Male and 4 female) show the mean length and weight of the fish is 29.3±3.4cm and 246 ±7.1g respectively. Meristic counts show 40–45 anal-fin rays which is one of the important distinguishing characters of the species. The average water pH of the sampling site observed 6.7–7.2. Dissolved oxygen observed 5.6–6.4 mg/l, Total alkalinity 55–56 mg/l and Transparency observed 15–25 cm. Graphical Abstract Clupisoma naziri is currently considered near threatened by IUCN criteria, and therefore, it is urgent to take conservation measures and to study biological parameters of the fish to protect the fish in nature as well as in culture.

Description of a new species of cusk-eel (Teleostei, Ophidiiformes, Ophidiidae, Ophidion) from the Galápagos Archipelago and Isla del Coco, long known but previously undescribed.

A cusk-eel, known from the Galápagos Archipelago since 1905, which has remained undescribed, is herein formally named, Ophidion galapagensis Lea & Robins. The species is known from 10 collections, including material from Isla del Coco. The species is endemic to the Galápagos Archipelago-Isla del Cocos biogeographic complex and is compared to the seven known eastern Pacific ophidiine cusk-eels; its relationship to these species is unclear. It is distinguished by dorsal-fin ray, anal-fin ray, and vertebral counts, and the relationship of pelvic-fin filaments and pectoral-fin length. It is most frequently collected by ichthyocide from depths between 3-25 m and taken by bottom trawl to depths of 110 m. It is occasionally observed by scuba divers during night dives.

Snailfishes of the genus Careproctus (Perciformes: Liparidae) with a reduced pelvic disk: three new species and new records from the western North Pacific with comments on their phenotypic diversity.

A taxonomic review of the snailfish genus Careproctus (Liparidae) with a reduced pelvic disk-the Careproctus gilberti species group-from the western North Pacific recognized three new species from the southern Sea of Okhotsk, and confirmed the validity of Careproctus gilberti, Careproctus mederi, Careproctus ostentum, and Careproctus parvidiscus. One of the newly described species, Careproctus longibarbatus sp. nov., had been previously confused with C. mederi, but was readily distinguishable on the basis of counts of vertebrae (61-66 vs. 57-63), dorsal- (56-60 vs. 52-56) and anal-fin rays (50-54 vs. 47-52), as well as length of the pectoral fin lower lobe (extending past anus vs. not reaching anus) and color of the peritoneum (dark vs. pale with black dots). Careproctus barbatulus sp. nov. and Careproctus spinulosus sp. nov. were diagnosed by pectoral fin lower lobe length, anus position, and vertebral, and dorsal- and anal-fin ray counts. The validities of the three new species were also confirmed by mitochondrial sequence data. Careproctus mederi was redescribed based on specimens from the southern Sea of Okhotsk, representing the first Japanese, as well as southernmost record of the species. Furthermore, the full description of an unidentified Careproctus species, most similar to C. gilberti, from the Pacific coast of Hokkaido was provided. Significant morphological variation within the C. gilberti species group, possibly resulting from reproductive interference among sympatric species, was also discussed.

COMPARATIVE GENETIC AND MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERIZATION OF SYMPATRIC POPULATIONS OF Heterobranchus bidorsalis AND H. longifilis

African catfish species of Heterobranchus longifilis and H. bidorsalis are gaining breeding potentials and receiving great attention among catfish stakeholders. However, very few comparative research works have been done on the natural populations and cultured stocks of these economically important species. In this study, the genetic evaluation of these sample species populations obtained from Lake Kainji, New Bussa, Niger State, Nigeria, was conducted through Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate Polyacylamide Gel Electrophoresis of their serum proteins, and morphometric evaluation. Morphometric data showed that adipose fin attributes [length; depth (cm), % standard length (SL)] of 23.4±1.1; 4.2±0.5 in the H. bidorsalis confirmed its hyper-development compared to H. longifilis of 25.7±3.2; 4.4±0.6 respectively. The pre-dorsal length gave higher value (%SL) in the H. longifilis (38.6±2.2) than H. bidorsalis (34.6± I .2); while H. bidorsalis further possess more counts at dorsal and anal fin rays than H. longifilis. The comparative dendrogram of the PAST analysis showed a genetic distance of 4.2% that indicated the specificity of these species and, though significantly different, their very close relationship. Therefore, proper identification of these speciesis highly necessary to maintain genetic purity in breeding programmes and biodiversity.

A new species of the fossil pufferfish genus †Archaeotetraodon (Tetraodontidae) from the Middle Miocene of the North Caucasus, Russia.

The fossil puffer fish genus †Archaeotetraodon Tyler & Bannikov, 1994 is unique among the Tetraodontidae in having the upright central spinule of the dermal scale plates bifid rather than singular and undivided. Six species of this genus have previously been described variously from the Oligocene and Miocene of Russia, Italy, Algeria, and Ukraine. Described herein is a seventh species of this genus, †Archaeotetraodon bemisae sp. nov., based upon two specimens from the Pshekha River, Krasnodar Region, North Caucasus, Russia. These Maikopian specimens are no less than 15 mya, in the basal-most Middle Miocene. The new species is distinguished from the other six species in the genus by the following combination of characters: thick, sturdy, and smooth bifid spinules; frontal width broad over the orbit; 18 vertebrae; slender ventral postcleithrum; a moderately long rayless pterygiophore; height/length ratio of the posteriormost abdominal centrum being 0.78-0.79; 10 dorsal-fin rays; 9 anal-fin rays; and 14 pectoral-fin rays.

Compsanthias, new genus of Pacific Anthiadidae (Teleostei).

Compsanthias new genus is described for Anthias ventralis Randall (type species) and A. hawaiiensis Randall, which had been previously classified in the genus Pseudanthias Bleeker. Compsanthias is distinguished from other anthiadid genera in having the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin rays X,16-18, usually X,17; anal-fin rays III,9-10, usually III,9; pectoral-fin rays 14-16, usually 15, most rays branched; branched caudal-fin rays 7+6; tubed scales in lateral series 39-46. Three characters are presented as evidence for monophyly, although each needs further investigation: relatively large infraorbital 3, modally III,9 anal-fin rays, and presence of red to purple oblique stripe from behind upper part of eye to upper part of head. Additional potential synapomorphies relevant to the phylogenetic position of the genus are discussed.

Discovery of a ribbon goby, Oxymetopon compressus (Actinopterygii: Gobiiformes: Microdesmidae) in Indian waters: A new westernmost record for the genus Oxymetopon

In October 2023, a single specimen of Oxymetopon compressus Chan, 1966 was retrieved from a discarded catch at the Mudasal Odai fish landing center on the southeast coast of India. This study marks the first record of the genus Oxymetopon in Indian waters, accompanied by a novel maximum length record. Oxymetopon compressus, closely resembles its congener, Oxymetopon formosum Fourmanoir, 1967 in having low supraorbital crest and head markings, but differs in having relatively a higher number of anal fin rays, 29 (vs. 27 in O. formosum). The anal fin count of O. compressus (29) is found higher than the Oxymetopon curticauda Prokofiev, 2016 (21–23) and Oxymetopon filamentosum Fourmanoir, 1967 (26), whereas it is found lower than the Oxymetopon cyanoctenosum Klausewitz et Condé, 1981 and Oxymetopon typus Bleeker, 1861 (31). This study describes the distinctive morphological and coloration patterns of the recorded species.